[The importance of C-peptide determination in the treatment and prognosis of type II diabetes].

The concentration of C peptide which is an indicator of the secretory capacity of the beta-cells of the pancreas was assessed in 109 patients with type II diabetes, hospitalized on account of prolonged difficulties as regards compensation. The values on fasting, the maximal values after stimulation following an experimental meal and increments were greater than in age- and weight-matched controls. In diabetic patients some highly significant relationships were revealed between the C peptide concentration on fasting and indicators of the risk of ischaemic heart disease [IHD]. They included HDL cholesterol, the body mass index and uric acid. The relationship between the maximal C peptide concentration and serum sodium may be associated with a greater disposition for hypertension. Thirty-one patients with symptoms of an ischaemic myocardial lesion had a significantly elevated C peptide concentration on fasting. The increments of C peptide concentration after an alimentary stimulus correlated indirectly with indicators of the actual and long-term compensation of diabetes. In relation to the reduced increments also the need of insulin therapy was reflected. Data obtained by examination of the C peptide concentration in the blood of type II diabetics can contribute to the objectivization of needs of insulin treatment and to the detection of the link between cardiovascular risk and hyperinulinaemia.